Córdoba – main tourist attractions
Córdoba is a picturesque city located in the south of Spain, on the Guadalquivir River. It is famous for its numerous historic buildings, beautiful weather and delicious local cuisine. When travelling in southern Spain, it is a definite must see! What tourist attractions can you find in Córdoba? One of the most important is the early mediaeval alcázar, or fortified palace, where the Christian rulers and, in later years, the Spanish Inquisition had their headquarters. Isabella of Castile and her husband Ferdinand of Aragon lived here, among others. It was here that they held a meeting with Christopher Columbus before his expedition to the New World. Today, the alcázar houses a museum and the beautiful gardens adjacent to the fortress are also open to the public – a perfect place for a relaxing stroll.
Another major attraction in Córdoba is the Mezquita, a mediaeval mosque converted after the Reconquista into a Roman Catholic cathedral. It is the largest former mosque in all of Europe and one of its most recognisable churches. Its most famous feature is a hall called the “forest of columns”, full of two-storey arcades inspired by Roman aqueducts. These were intended to allow the vaulting to be raised and also to give the impression that the place was much larger than it actually was. Today, after many alterations and extensions, the Mezquita covers more than 20,000 square metres and its roof is supported by as many as 865 columns. When in Córdoba, it is a must-see!
What shouldn’t you miss on a trip to Cordoba?
The oldest surviving church in the city is the Santa Marina. Its construction began in the 13th century, and although it has been rebuilt more than once over the years, it still impresses visitors with its façade with a characteristic rosette. Inside, among other things, there is a beautiful altarpiece of Our Lady of Rosario. Córdoba is also home to several palaces from the 15th and 16th centuries: the Palacio de los Páez de Castillejo, the Palacio Museo de Viana, the Casa del Indiano and the Renaissance palace Casa de los Villalones.
Near Córdoba, at the foot of the Sierra Morena mountains, is also the Medina Azahara, the ruins of an Arab palace complex from the 10th century. Like the Alcazar, they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruins were discovered at the beginning of the 20th century and today the buildings are also partially reconstructed, allowing visitors to admire some of the most valuable examples of Moorish architecture. Although this monument is not located in the city itself, it is definitely worth a trip there when visiting Cordoba.
Free walking tour – Cordoba with Walkative! guide
If you want to make sure you don’t miss any of Córdoba’s most important sights, a free walking tour with Walkative! will be a hit! Our experienced guides will show you around the city, telling you about its fascinating history. This type of walk assumes that you decide for yourself how much you will reward the guide’s commitment, work and passion. To take part in a walk, all you need to do is book a place on our website. This is an excellent option for individual tourists, couples and small groups. Join a free walking tour with Walkative! in Cordoba as well as other Spanish cities – you can also find us in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and many other places.